Arkansas Tech University President Dr. Russell Jones announced on Monday, March 3, that Amy Pennington will serve as ATU interim vice president for student affairs effective April 2, 2025.
“Mrs. Pennington is a consummate professional and an expert in the field of student affairs,” said Jones. “I am grateful for her willingness to step into this role and ensure that Arkansas Tech students continue to receive high-quality services through the ATU Division of Student Affairs.”
Pennington will succeed Dr. Keegan Nichols, who previously announced that she is resigning from the ATU vice president for student affairs position effective April 1, 2025, in order to move to Chicago, Ill., and begin a new life with her soon-to-be husband Randy Newkirk and his two children, Reilly and Garrett.
Nichols has served as ATU vice president for student affairs since June 2017.
Pennington, ATU associate vice president for student affairs, has served as dean of students at ATU since 2011. She previously served as director of international and multicultural student services from 2003-11, director of housing programs in the Office of Residence Life from 2000-03 and student recruitment and publicity specialist in the Office of Admissions from 1997-2000.
A 1997 graduate of Arkansas Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, Pennington earned a Master of Education degree in higher education administration from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 2003.
The ATU Division of Student Affairs includes Arkansas Tech’s operating areas in academic advising, admissions, campus life, career services, disability services, financial aid, first-generation student experience, marketing, multicultural student services, public safety, residence life, student conduct, student union and recreation, student wellness, testing services and Title IX.
Learn more at www.atu.edu/studentaffairs.
